Interview with Tracy Krauss and Book Giveaway!

Hi everybody! It is a brand new day and the weather is beautiful outside! And I have a treat for you all:) Tracy Krauss is here and she has offered to give away a copy of her book, My Mother, the Man-Eater. Now, that is quite a different title and I have not read the book so I have no idea what it is about:) But one of you will get the chance to! So read through the interview and make sure to answer the question at the bottom for your entry in this giveaway.

Thank you for being with us today, Tracy!!
How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
I started writing seriously about 25 years ago. Of course, I enjoyed writing before that, but this is when I seriously sat down at my typewriter and started banging out stories. I am very grateful for my computer, I can tell you!

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
My Mother the Man-Eater is the story of a forty something ‘cougar’ out to find fulfillment through relationships with younger men – lots of them! Joleen’s life gets pretty complicated as she tries to juggle five prospects at one time while also fending off the threats of her mafia drug dealing ex who was recently released from prison. Further complications ensue when her grown daughters get involved – unbeknownst to them – with some of said prospects. It’s a fun roller coaster ride of romance and twisted mix ups. However, it also has a real dramatic and dark side because of her husband and also because of her own less than savory past, which comes out later in the book. Over all, I think it is a pretty satisfying, though complex read.

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
My work has been called ‘edgy inspirational’, a genre that I have embraced since it seems to fit. Redemption, grace and God’s love are all elements that play out loud and clear in my writing and certainly in this book.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
On my list are the Louvre in Paris, some of the castles in Germany, and Rome. I love history, art and architecture so these are places that appeal to me. I’m not a beach bum, so I really have no desire to go somewhere like that.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
It would be cool to have dinner with Jesus, to be sure. I have a few other heroes – Nellie McClung, Martin Luther King Jr., Sitting Bull, Nelson Mandela, Emily Carr, Louis Riel …

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
Even though I just listed a bunch of historical figures and I said I love history etc., I would actually rather be at some crazy monumental futuristic event – something out of Star Trek. I’m a Sci-fi junkie, too, so I guess that makes sense. I’m not sure what the event would be, though, because it would be so crazy I can’t imagine it.

Do you have a favorite hobby?
Other than writing? I am an artist (I teach Art) so I paint, draw and do various forms of printmaking. I also was into quilting for a while but I can’t seem to see to thread my needle anymore … (

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
I’ve been asked this before and I’m trying to think of something new. How about the fact that I hate oysters. Does anybody care?

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
Write, write, write. Read, read, read. Submit, submit, submit.

Any last thoughts for your readers?
I’m excited about a third book that is in production called Play it Again. It is actually the prequel to my first book, And The Beat Goes On, and I’ve had to field a lot of inquiry about it since the first book came out in 2009. I’m not sure why my publisher decided to go that route, but in any case, I’m happy to report that ‘Play It Again’ is coming soon! (Finally!)

And how can they connect with you?
My blog, ‘Expression Express’ is where I talk about all things creative.
Website
Facebook fanpage
Twitter
I’m also on a TON of other social networking sites etc. Look me up! (

Thanks for being here today!

So, sound interesting? Hope you all enjoy it and one of you will be able to win it so read below:)

MANDATORY ENTRY-
What is one food that you hate? This is the mandatory entry so it must be done or the extra entries do not count.

OPEN INTERNATIONAL!!

EXTRA ENTRIES-Please leave a comment for each entry.
1.Blog or post about this on Facebook. Get 3 entries for each.
2.Follow my blog via GFC, subscribe through RSS Feed or follow me on Twitter. Get one entry for each you do.
3.Enter any of my other currently running giveaways. Let me know which ones.
4.Leave a comment on any of my review only posts. This must be for reviews only! Leave a comment for each.
5.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done three times a day.

6.Go over and leave a comment on Tracy's blog. Please tell her you came from Giveaway Lady.
7.Follow Tracy's blog via GFC. Let me know what you did:)
8.Follow Tracy on Twitter. Let me know your username.

This giveaway will end 5/2. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.